Key programming mechanisms described independently of particular machines or languages including control, binding, procedural abstraction and types. Systematically surveys diverse high-level language capabilities.

Textbook: Concepts of Programming Languages, R. Sebesta, 6^th edition, Addison-Wesley, 2003.

Other Recommended References:
Bruce Eckel, Thinking in Java, 3rd Edition Prentice Hall 2003. A complete copy of the book can be downloaded for free.

This class will cover theoretical foundations of features found in modern programming languages.

• Evolution of programming languages
• Language elements:
  • Syntax and semantics representation,
  • Control structures
  • Types and Type Systems
  • Procedural Abstraction
  • Exception handling
  • Concurrency,
  • Garbage collection
  • Language approaches such as imperative, object-oriented, functional and logic based programming languages.

  Grading

  • Programming Assignments (70%)
  • This class will require you to write programs in several different programming languages.
  • Homework assignments (10%)
  • Exams (20%)

  Grades will be computed on a percentage basis, and the resulting percentage will
  yield the letter grade for the term. The grading scale is that approved by
  Fairfax County Public Schools:

  A 94% - 100%
  B+ 90% - 93%
  B 84% - 89%
  C 74% - 79%
  C+ 80% - 83%
  D 64% - 69%
  D+ 70% - 73%
  F BELOW 64%

  
  At the end of the course, the final mark will be computed using an average
  based on the two quarter grades earned.

  Policies:

  • Programming assignments are to be individual efforts, meaning no sharing of code or discussion of problem solution allowed with anyone but me.
  • You must turn in a working version of all programming assignments to pass the class (even if it receives no credit).
  • ATTENDANCE: In accordance with TJ's policy, 3 unexecused absences results in an F for the quarter.
    Also, 3 unexcused tardies to class = 1 unexcused absence.

Honor Code